COLUMBIA, S.C.-North Carolina survived its first scare of the season before edging South Carolina in overtime, 90-86.

The Tar Heels, on their way to a 32-0 record, would have a number of close scrapes before winning the school's first national championship in March. The battle with the Gamecocks was simply an indication of things to come.

South Carolina actually trailed almost the entire game before forcing overtime. A steal and layup by Ray Pericola tied the game, 76-76, with seven seconds left in regulation.

The two teams were tied, 84-84, with less than a minute to go in the extra period. Tommy Kearns then drove through the South Caroline defense for a layup. He was fouled on the play and added the free throw.

After a Gamecock basket, Tony Radovich also was fouled on a layup. His free throw gave the Tar Heels their final 90-86 advantage.

Kearns led the Tar Heel offense with 29 points as he hit nine of 13 free throws. Pete Brennan added 22 and Lennie Rosenbluth scored 18.

Rosenbluth, Carolina's leading scorer for the year with a 28.0 average, was slowed by foul trouble much of the game. He finished with four personals. In addition, two other starters, Brennan and Bob Cunningham, fouled out.

Grady Wallace, who would lead the nation in scoring with a 32.2 average, topped the Gamecock scoring with 35.

The win pushed the Tar Heel record to 4-0.

Rick Brewer is in his fourth decade with the University of North Carolina athletic department and brings a unique historical perspective to TarHeelBlue.com. A native of North Carolina, Brewer served as UNC's Sports Information Director from 1975 until his retirement from full-time work in 2000. Email Rick Brewer at rbrewer@uncaa.unc.edu.